Thoughts of a Mrs. Modern-Day Mountain Woman Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Hire a good pack animal.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NLT

Years ago we had a black lab. One year for Christmas, she got a backpack. When we would go hiking and camping, she would carry her backpack proudly with her food and packable dishes inside. When we go hiking as a family, each person carries their own gear, although it’s obviously a bit less for kids than for the adults. They carry their snack and water, as well as a jacket and signaling device. As adults, we carry the extra for them-the extra water and first aid gear and the heavier parts of the camping gear, but it is a good lesson for them to learn to start carrying their own supplies. A hiker should carry the gear they need and a bit more for the emergency that may or may not happen. It’s important that each participant, even children, in a hike be prepared to be on their own, should the need arise. It’s also important to know how to properly pack a pack to minimize discomfort and maximize carrying capacity. As I mention often, there’s always a balance in life. There is a balance between having too much and having too little, between carrying too many comfort items and making the trip uncomfortable, and going completely minimalistic and not being even slightly comfortable when you reach your site.

Mr. M-DMM carries what I consider a massive pack. I physically cannot carry as much as him. I’ve seen people try to carry packs that are three times the size of the hiker. This is counterproductive to good hiking practices. No one can comfortably or safely carry a pack that weighs as much as they do for very far. Many times I call Mr. M-DMM my sherpa. I need him to help carry our supplies if we are going long distances for long periods of time. When you have a bigger group, you can split up the gear between people and their physical carrying abilities. Each person should still be carrying their 10+1 essentials and personal gear. This is something that should never be compromised or distributed about the group.

When you are leading a group of hikers or campers, it is imperative to carry your belongings as well as extras for those who weren’t as prepared as you had hoped. No amount of checking that everyone has full water bottles will ensure that the water bottles will still be full by the time you make it to your hiking starting point. Telling and checking that participants have proper footwear doesn’t guarantee that their feet won’t get cold and that someone won’t need your extra pair of wool socks to prevent them from getting frostbite. Hiking with a new hiker who is terrified of being outdoors will be your opportunity as the leader to be the calming presence who talks them through the experience and gives them the confidence to finish the hike. Sometimes the skills and equipment you need to successfully lead a group are not able to be carried in your pack.

Being Their Own Pack Animal.

Jesus offered to carry our burdens and heavy loads for us. He didn’t mean a physical load or burden, but an emotional one. Oftentimes, people carry around extra baggage and weights that bring them down and wear them out. Too many times those people are sinking under the pack of their worries and fears. Jesus offered us Himself as a sort of pack animal for our burdens. He promises to help us shoulder our pains, just as He himself shouldered the cross which took all of our sins away. He is the ultimate carrier of all of our heavy loads. He took all of our worries and put them on His shoulders. He gathered up the whole world’s sins and cast them away. He promises us rest, not only in our future heavenly home, but here on this earth. Jesus took our heavy packs and lightened them with His love and forgiveness. This is a promise, if we only allow Him to take it from us.

As you move through life, pack well. Be prepared for yourself and for others. Prepare yourself physically to handle the load you will have to bear. Prepare yourself emotionally and mentally to handle the stresses that come with leading a group of people. Prepare yourself spiritually to allow Jesus to carry those worries and also be prepared to teach about the willingness of Christ to carry the burden for others. Pack your bag and go enjoy the hike, wherever it may take you!